Speed belongs on the track, not on public roads: John Abraham

The roar of Formula 4 engines may have faded from the Manohar International Airport Street Circuit at Mopa, but for John Abraham, the race has just begun. Fresh from competing at the event, the actor and producer spoke about his vision for Goa, road safety, and his deliberate distance from social media.A racing academy in GoaJohn’s passion for motorsport runs far deeper than a casual interest, and his plans for Goa reflect that conviction. He revealed that he is actively working toward establishing a racing academy in the state — a move he believes could help strengthen India’s presence in global motorsport.“I want to build my own racing academy in Goa. I spoke to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant about securing land on the outskirts of the state, and he was very proactive,” John said.“We have enough space. What we need is the will, government support, and like-minded people coming together to make this happen. Why can’t we have superstars emerging from India? We have immense talent, but young drivers need the right ecosystem — training, mentoring, and facilities,” he added.John, who owns a Formula 4 team based in Goa, emphasized the importance of professional training.“I plan to bring in the best coaches to train these kids. Motorsport is a serious discipline, and our youngsters must have access to world-class training,” he shared.

Responsible ridingWhile John’s enthusiasm for speed is evident on the racetrack, he draws a firm line when it comes to public roads. The actor spoke strongly about the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and greater accountability among road users.“Punishment must be stringent. Safety measures must be enforced. Without that, you will continue to have people who break the law," he asserted.He pointed to international examples to underline his argument.“Look at places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Rules are strict, and violations carry serious consequences. That level of seriousness creates discipline. Speed belongs on the track, not on public roads. Respect for rules ultimately saves lives,” he said.Away from social mediaDespite being one of Bollywood’s top stars, John maintains a notably minimal digital presence.“Currently, I’m just working quietly, putting my head down. I don’t have social media on my phone. I don’t read comments. I prefer staying disconnected,” he said.Far from seeing this as a limitation, he views it as a positive choice.“I’ve been told I’m very lucky because social media can be a very toxic space. Staying away from it makes me feel peaceful and happy. I am a happier individual,” he shared.